Topsail area happenings

Thursday

Jun 6, 2013 at 12:01 AMJun 6, 2013 at 12:21 PM

Learn what goes on behind the scenes at a National Park by becoming an official NPS Volunteer. Moores Creek National Battlefield will host a Volunteers-In-Parks Meeting June 22 at 10 a.m.in Patriots Hall. VIP’s are used in all aspects of the National Park Service, from giving guided tours to helping remove invasive plants in the park. Different areas of need include living history personnel, filmmakers, craft demonstrators, photographers, interpreters and more.

Volunteers-In-Parks Meeting

Learn what goes on behind the scenes at a National Park by becoming an official NPS Volunteer. Moores Creek National Battlefield will host a Volunteers-In-Parks Meeting June 22 at 10 a.m.in Patriots Hall. VIP’s are used in all aspects of the National Park Service, from giving guided tours to helping remove invasive plants in the park. Different areas of need include living history personnel, filmmakers, craft demonstrators, photographers, interpreters and more.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is located at 40 Patriots Hall Drivein Currie. For information, call 910-283-5591 or visit nps.gov/mocr or facebook.com/moorescreeknps.

Book signing

A North Carolinaauthor will be signing copies of her book this month at a shop in Sneads Ferry. Meet author Kirsten Holmstedt on June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Through the Looking Glass, 1016 Old Folkstone Road (behind the CVS) in Sneads Ferry, where she’ll be signing copies of her book “Band of Sisters: American Women At War In Iraq.”

Vendors sought

The Town of Holly Ridge is looking for vendors for its 4th of July Celebration.

Arts and crafts, as well as food vendors, are welcome.

Vendor applications are available online at townofhollyridge.net.

For more information, call 910-329-7081.

Faith Harbor UMC

FaithHarborUnitedMethodistChurchwill offer SonWestRoundupVacationBibleSchoolin the evenings from June 24 to 28. The week includes activities, food and worship stories with a Western theme.

FaithHarborUnitedMethodistChurchis holding its summer beach service. The Communion Worship Service is held at the Roland Avenue Crossover in SurfCityat 8 a.m.Services are also held in the church sanctuary at 9:20am.

FaithHarboralso offers traditional Sunday school classes for all ages including young adult, Monday Morning Bible Study and youth group programs. VacationBibleSchoolwill be held June 24 through 27. Faith Harbor UMC has a trained nursery worker on staff during Sunday school classes and workshops

FaithHarborUnitedMethodistChurchinvites the community to worship and celebrate every Sunday. The church is located on the mainland side of the swing bridge in SurfCity. For more information, call 910-328-4422 or visit faithharborumc.org.

‘Pillage in the Village’

“Come Pillage in the Village” is the whimsical motto of the summer plunder days craft market being held this summer in downtown TopsailBeach. The craft market will take place every Thursday from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.through August. It is located at the start of the downtown district on the corner of S Anderson Blvdand Davis Ave. Significant rain will cancel the Thursday market. Any interested local crafter may contact Dottie at 910-541-0274.

Movie and concert schedules

SurfCity’s Parks and Recreation Department has released its “Movies in the Park” and “Concerts in the Park” schedules. All movies and concerts and will be held at SoundsideParknext to the swingbridge. In case of inclement weather, they will be moved to SurfCityCommunity Centeroff J.H. Batts Roadon the mainland. Admission is free.

All “Movies in the Park” begin at sundown. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Upcoming showings include:

June 7: The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG)

June 21: The Lorax (PG)

July 5: Rise of the Guardians (PG)

July 19: Thunderstruck (PG)

Aug. 2: The Pirates: Band of Misfits (PG)

Aug. 16: Here Comes The Boom (PG)

Aug. 30: Escape From Planet Earth (PG)

Concerts in the Park run from 6to 8 p.m.The July 3 concert will be followed with fireworks at 9 p.m.

May 31: Felix & The Hurricanes (southern/classic rock)

June 1: Cosmic Groove Lizards (folk, rock, kids)

June 28: The Other Guys (acoustic/classic rock)

July 3: Mark Roberts and Breeze (beach)

July 6: The Clams (eclectic)

July 26: LynnHargrove & Friends (bluegrass)

Aug. 9: E.S.P. (reggae)

Aug. 31: The Meteor Men (surf, originals)

Sept. 6: Mako (beach, boogie, blues)

For more information, visit townofsurfcity.com or call 910-328-4887.

Summer camps

CapeFearMuseumsummer camps let children ages 5 to 10 take part in hands-on exploration of the history and science of the Lower Cape Fear region. The week-long camps include a new full-day camp—Cape Fear Explorers — and three half day camps. Campers receive a summer camp T-shirt. Each week of camp concludes with a special closing event for families where campers share what they learned through song, skit, or activity.

nScience Masters: June 24 to 28 from 9 a.m.to noonfor ages 7 and 8. Explore all of science: Travel into outer space, experiment with light and shadows, tinker with the physics of toys, and create crazy concoctions. Registration closes June 10. Cost is $75 members; $95 non-members.

nDinos and More July 8-12 from 9 a.m.to noonfor ages 5 and 6. Learn about the world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals that lived in the Lower Cape Fear. Hunt and dig for fossils and investigate the modern relatives of prehistoric creatures as you meet some real reptiles. Registration closes June 24. Cost is $75 members; $95 non-members.

nCape Fear Explorers: Aug. 5-9 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.for ages 7 to 10. Explore historic artifacts and participate in science experiments at the “base laboratory” for part of the day. Then explore a different destination each day to learn of the history and science in Lower Cape Fear area. Registration closes July 22. Cost is $165 members; $185 non-members.

To register, download a printable form at capefearmuseum.com or call 910-798-4386.

Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina will host Battleship 101 from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.and The Legacy Series: Armored Cruiser North Carolina and the Great War from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., both on June 8. During Battleship 101 visitors may enjoy talking to volunteers stationed throughout the ship ready to discuss daily shipboard life including gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley and engineering areas. The second U.S.ship named North Carolina, the ACR12 made naval aviation history on Nov. 5, 1915, as the first ship to catapult launch an aircraft while underway.

For information, visit battleshipnc.com or follow them on Facebook.com/ncbb55 or Twitter.com/battleshipnc.

Centre of Redemption fundraiser

The community is invited to attend an evening of fellowship, food and entertainment at the Hampstead Women’s Center on June 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets to the dinner, catered by Engleses Italian Restaurant, are $17 and help the Topsail Presbyterian Church raise money for the local Centre of Redemption, which provides services for female survivors of sex trafficking. The agency’s brochure notes that North Carolinais ranked in the top 10 worst states for sex trafficking in the U.S., and the average age for a trafficked victim is 12 to 14 years old.

Tickets are available from the church office, 16249 U.S. 17. Tickets are also available at the Hampstead Thrift Store, located at 14435 U.S. Hwy17, or by contacting Vicky at 910-270-2312.

‘Seeing Stars in Dixie’

Sneads Ferry Community Theatre brings southern-style humor in Ron Osborne’s dramatic comedy "Seeing Stars in Dixie” to the Sneads Ferry stage. Competition for a small role in a movie filming in Natchez, Miss., in the 1950s brings out the best and worst in the play’s memorable characters.

Show Dates are June 7, 8, 9 and June 13, 14, 16. Times are 8 p.m. curtain on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday Matinees at 3 p.m.Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are sold day of show at the door. Reservations for parties of 10 or more can be made by calling the box office at 910-327-2798.

Special events include:

nTeacher and Active Duty Military Appreciation Night: free with ID: June 6 at 8 p.m.

nWine and Cheese Reception: June 7 at 7:15 p.m.

nPlay with Our Dogs and Picture Yourself: June 13 at 6:30 p.m.: two hotdogs, chips and a drink are $2 plus photo op with a celebrity lookalike

The theater is located inside the SneadsFerryCommunity Centerat 126 Park Lane. For information, visit sneadferrycommunitytheatre.com.

Tryouts will be held on June 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Players with the birth years of 2003 and up will try out for the Squirt Team while players with the birth years of 2001 and 2002 will try out for the Peewee Team.

Tryouts, which will be held at the Wilmington Ice House, cost approximately $10 to $15 per person. For more information, email Rich Brouwer at rich.brouwer@coastalcarolinahockey.com

Summer Craft Fair

The Hampstead Women’s Club is accepting applications from vendors for the Summer Craft Fair.

Crafters, bakers, artists, and nonprofit organizations are welcomed at the craft fair, scheduled for July 6 from 8 a.m.to 1 p.m.

Vendor booth space is $10 for a 5-foot round table, $15 for an 8-foot rectangular table or $20 for a 14-foot table. Chairs are provided free of charge. Exterior spots for food trucks or outdoor vendors are also available, but outdoor vendors must supply their own tables.

The craft fair will be hosted by the Hampstead Women’s Club at the Hampstead Women’s ClubCommunityBuilding, 14435 U.S. Hwy17. Admission to shoppers is free.

The Hampstead Women’s Club is a nonprofit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to area schools and other worthwhile organizations. This is made possible through the members who volunteer daily to process donated goods and sell them at the Hampstead Thrift Shop. General meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.at the HampsteadCommunityBuilding, 14435 Highway 17. Membership applications are available at the Hampstead Thrift Shop.

For more information call 910-270-9549 or e-mail hampcommbld@gmail.com.

Summer camps

SurfCityParksand Recreation has a full slate of theme-related summer camps for children ages 6 to 9 years old. Camps run from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost of each camp is $150 and all camps are listed online with availability continuously updated; only 12 campers per camp, so many are already close to capacity. Register online at townofsurfcity.com.

Camps will include weekly trips to the pool and field trips to various area attractions.

Several outside providers will be offering special summer activities at SurfCityCommunity Centerincluding three week-long Lego Camps, two Lego workshops and Tumbling Camp for beginners and intermediate skill levels. SurfCityParksand Recreation will also be offering a series of sports camps which are listed through the link on the town website.

July 29 to Aug. 2: “Ahoy There, Matey” — Search for treasure and visit the good ship Raven and Missiles & MoreMuseum.

Aug. 5 to 9: “Hot Wheels” — Roll in for a week on wheels including activities with skateboards, bikes and scooters. Head over to Jelly Beans for skating fun.

Aug. 12 to 16: “Clue” — Grab your magnifying glass and thinking cap and solve mysteries like a detective. Visit with the Surf City Police Department.

Aug. 19 to 23: “Art Explorers” — Express your creativity, create new masterpieces and end the week with an art show.

For information, e-mail parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com.

Kitchen time

Kids can dice and chop their way to good health, good food and fun at Kitchen Time.

Kitchen Time is offering Healthy Heroes 2, a six-week class for ages 6 to 9. It will meet at SurfCityCommunity Centeron Thursdays from 3:15to 5:15p.m.June 13 to July 25. Explore the fun and exciting world of fruits and vegetables; sing, play and read stories about healthy eating; and make fun snacks.

Cost is $85 for community center members and $100 for non-members.

Classes are limited to 10 children per class.

For information, contact Sue at 704-778-1123 or visit kitchentimenc.webs.com

Free flag replacement

For the seventh year, Goin’ Postal Hampstead has purchased more than 100 3-by-5 foot American flags and will give them away free to anyone who brings in an old, faded, or tattered American flag.

Free flags are available through Labor Day while supplies last.

Goin’ Postal Hampstead is located at 16717 Highway 17 N in the OakTreeCenter.

For more information, call 910-270-6184 or email hampstead@goinpostal.com.

Paddles for People

Paddles for People is now up and running with more than 10 businesses displaying paddles designed and decorated by local artists. Paddles for People helps with living expenses for those who have no health insurance. All proceeds this year will go to Wanda Scott, a local cancer victim.

Businesses who donated paddles this year are Surf City Guns and Ammo, East Coast Sports, Herring’s, and Thomas Tackle and Seafood. Artists who donated their time and talent are Barbara Leiss, Sherry Thurston, Mark Lempke, Diane Kersey, Cathy Jaxon and Patti Blacknight.

The paddles on display will be auctioned. To bid, simply write down your name and amount of bid, and the highest bidder will receive the paddle. For more information, contact Carol at 910-467-7967. For more information, contact Carol at 910-467-7967 or Dorothy at Surf City Guns and Ammo.

This photographic journey features more than 100 printed and digital works taken by members of the Cape Fear Camera Club of the rich and diverse habitats of the Cape Fear region.

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, located at 814 Market St. in Wilmington, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday from Labor Day through Memorial Day. General admission is $7 for adults; $6 for students and senior citizens; $6 special military rate with valid military ID; $4 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3 and for museum members. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sunday of each month. For more information, visit capefearmuseum.com.

SurfCityCommunity Center

Surf City Community Center is open Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The current class schedule is available online at townofsurfcity.com

For more information, to register or inquire about teaching a new class, call 910-328-4887, email parksandrec@townofsurfcity.com or visit townofsurfcity.com.

VFW Post 9983 HollyRidge

VFW Post 9983 is located at 188 Hines Stump Sound Church Road, one mile north of HollyRidgeat the flags. The canteen is open from 3to 8 p.m.daily with extended hours for nonprofits needing meeting space.

For more information, call 910-329-1881.

CHEW!

The DixonElementary CHEW! (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) Program assists children in the community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals throughout the weekend. CHEW! needs donations to stock and maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that will provide nutrition for approximately 40 students each weekend. For more information or to donate, contact Kim Nelson, school social worker, at 910-327-2392 or kim.nelson@onslow.k12.nc.us

Mama J’s Helping Hand

Mama J’s helps people in need by providing them with food, clothing, household goods and baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. Mama J’s also helps people who are struggling with everyday issues and welcomes them to come in and talk. Call Mama J’s at 910-327-1302 for an updated list of specifics that are needed. Mama J’s Helping Hand is located at 2205 Hwy. 172 in Sneads Ferry. For more information, email jeanette0621@yahoo.com.

Baby FAST

The Baby FAST program in Pender County — designed to strengthen family relationships; build connections with families, schools, churches and the community; improve babies’ development and well-being; and reduce in-home stress — is seeking assistance. For more information and to help, contact Melanie Gatton at mgatton@taffinc.org or 910-777-8244.

The Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library in Hampstead welcomes any visitors to come and see what the organization is about at its monthly meetings, held on the first Friday of each month. For more information, call 910-270-4603.

Masons

Stump Sound No. 733 Masonic Lodge in Sneads Ferry meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Members meet at 6:30for a meal, and Lodge begins at 7:30for qualified Masons.

Come play bingo on Monday nights at the SneadsFerryCommunity Center, located at 126 Park Laneoff of Sneads Ferry Road. Building opens at 5:30 p.m.Early Birds start at 7 p.m., Regular games follow with a $300 payout progressive game, 50/50 Bonanza game and ends with a Jackpot game, which pays according to attendance. Smoke-free, refreshments available, free coffee. Proceeds support the community through the Sneads Ferry Community Council. For more information, call 910-327-3335 or sfoffice@netscope.com.

Boy Scout Troop 937

Boy Scout Troop 937 in Sneads Ferry meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m.at FirstUnitedMethodistChurch, located at Lakeside Driveand N.C. 172. For more information, contact Harvey Hoopes at 910-327-0069 or harveyhoopes@gmail.com.

New RiverGardenClub

New River Garden Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month. Membership is open to all who would like to share a love of gardening, community service and conservation. For more information, contact Tommi Allen at 912-660-5274 or tallen@coastalpermits.com

Hampstead Marine Corps League

The Hampstead Detachment 1321 of Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.at the TopsailSeniorCenterlocated next to Pender Pines Nursery. New members, both Marines and FMF Navy corpsman, are welcome.

Sneads Ferry Extension

The Sneads Ferry Extension and Community Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 1:15to 3 p.m.at the SeniorCitizensBuildingon N.C. 172. Learn about various issues for the community and well-being, do some crafts, work the concession stand at Sneads Ferry Monday Night Bingo (the club’s fundraiser for a scholarship to a deserving student at Dixon High). For more information, contact Ida MacNamara at 910-327-0718 or idamac1@embarqmail.com.

Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee

Sneads Ferry Beautification Committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. through May at the New River Plantation Clubhouse in Sneads Ferry (off N.C. 172). The objective is to continue to beautify Sneads Ferry. Currently the group maintains several plant beds and the banners throughout the community. New members, volunteers and guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Claire Wunder at 910-327-2435.